Featured image: (Pacer Graphic / Dylan Sulcer)
Conventions have everything a nerd could want, merch-wise.
Not only are they fun for people who want to collect trinkets from their favorite shows, games and movies, but a lot of people who enjoy cosplay love these conventions as well. There are conventions within a few hours of where most people live, and the season is coming up fast.
However, in the last 10 years, con-goers have lost their etiquette and don’t know how to act at these conventions. If you can’t follow some of these core rules, regular convention-goers and cosplayers definitely won’t welcome you in the community.
If you see a cosplayer or a panelist that you like, do not reach out and touch them without consent. Especially do not call out for them overly loud.
You wouldn’t think this would need to be said, but people break these simple rules all the time. Cosplayers, especially, are not the character that they are dressed up as.
The next thing that you should be wary of is roleplaying in public settings. Be mindful that other cosplayers and people may not be willing participants, so if they seem uncomfortable with your advance to roleplay, take a step back.
Respect panelists’ boundaries, but treat them like they’re human. You can ask them for a hug or pictures, but make sure to be respectful. They are there to meet fans and people like yourself who like their work.
If you know these panelists are going to be there, make sure that you know what you want them to say or sign before you get there. Holding up the line isn’t cool.
If it’s not adult night hours, bear in mind that there will usually always be minors at these conventions. Be mindful of their feelings and hard work with their own cosplays. It’s not polite to complain about them existing in convention spaces.
“Even though there are a lot of adults there, it is not an adult-only space. There are still going to be kids there. Remember that you had to start somewhere too,” said Toni Collins, an interdisciplinary studies student from Memphis, Tennessee.
If you want to go to these conventions and cosplay, and you want a cost-effective way to cosplay after buying expensive tickets, here are a few tips to make your con-going easier.
Try shopping local or maybe a town over. Goodwill and surrounding thrift stores like Jesus Cares are good ways to find supplies without breaking the bank. Find some local craft stores selling things for you to hand-make items.
Cardboard and hot glue are going to be some of your best friends when creating props, even papier-mache and some paint. The cheap acrylic paint at Walmart costs 97 cents, and brushes at Dollar Store are good to use.
“Bring a sewing kit if you’re a cosplayer. Things will always break,” said Mikala Bates, a UT Martin alum from Humboldt, Tennessee.
Sewing will be one of your biggest assets when creating cosplay from scratch. YouTube tutorials for working the sewing machine at the Creator Space in the Paul Meek Library are also a worthwhile resource.
Some upcoming conventions if you’re interested in going: MTAC Super (April 3-5, 2026 — Nashville, Tennessee), Fanboy Expo Anime, Toy & Gaming (March 28-29, 2026 — Knoxville, Tennessee), GalaxyCon Nashville (May 29-31, 2026 — Nashville, Tennessee), AkaiCon 12 (June 26-28, 2026 — Lebanon, Tennessee) and Anime Blues Con (July 10-12, 2026 — Memphis, Tennessee).
These are just conventions in Tennessee that are taking place until July. There are more out there if you search for them. Convention season is here, be respectful and have fun.
